Campfire Tales
Pony's Log Number 716: Who knew that when you try to make lemonade out of lemons you get to learn more about three legendary ponies?!
One day the heart of the whitetail woods, Applejack was straining and grunting as she was trying to get their tent stood up on her own, but was having trouble doing so. Apple Bloom was just patting down a picnic blanket.
"Hey, kid, get over here," Applejack called out, her voice muffled since her foot was in her mouth. Apple Bloom then grabbed the rope to help Applejack out. It wasn't long before the two sisters had gotten their tent standing up. Apple Bloom put the stake into the ground and Applejack hammered it into place. It was then Mario rushed up. Ironically, he was wearing a forest ranger hat along with a boy scout leader shirt and handkerchief.
"Sorry 'bout that, AJ," said Mario, "I was busy collecting some firewood to cook our lunch. I could've helped."
"No worries big brother," said Applejack, "Apple Bloom and I got this covered." Applejack then showed that all four tents had been pitched up. Applejack and Apple Bloom's tent was orange, Rarity and Sweetie Belle's tent was purple, and Rainbow and Scootaloo's tent was cyan blue. Mario's tent was yellow and was positioned next to Applejack and Apple Bloom's tent.
"Tents are lookin' good," Applejack continued, "And we made good time today. At this rate, we'll be at Winsome Falls by tomorrow!" Apple Bloom smiled excitedly.
"We should do the annual Big-Sister-Little-Sister camping trip every weekend!" Apple Bloom suggested.
"Then is wouldn't be annual," Applejack answered as she gave her little sister a wink. Mario nodded in agreement, "And if we did it every weekend, it probably wouldn't be as special."
"But the more we do it, the better we get at camping," said Apple Bloom, "Remember the first time we came here and Rarity had that ginormous tent?"
"I also heard she made Sweetie Belle pull a wagon loaded with over twenty pieces of luggage all by herself," said Mario as he gave his little sister a skeptical look, "And didn't help her either." Applejack just smiled sheepishly in reply.
"I heard that!" said Rarity, giggling to herself, "I treated Sweetie Belle to a week's worth of spa treatments to mend her sore back along with plenty of ice cream and lots of extra sisterly love to make up for it." Mario nodded in approval, "Besides, I've gotten much better at "roughing it", haven't I?" Rarity looked back to see Sweetie Belle carrying some luggage on her back. She was straining herself a bit too, but instantly recovered when Rarity spoke to her.
"Yup," Sweetie Belle replied, "This time, you only packed three suitcases."
"She should only be packing one," Mario remarked smugly as he looked at his own saddle bag. While this wasn't his infamous magic saddle bags, he still found a way to pack more stuff then you think inside of them, but more on that later. Applejack just gave Rarity a knowing smirk.
"I know what you're both thinking," said Rarity, "But I promise, I only brought the essentials."
"Like those light thingies?" Applejack asked as she pointed above. There on the trees were several paper lanterns in various colors.
"Of course," Rarity replied, "What is life if you can't make it beautiful?"
"Is there a reason I'm reminded of big brother when I see those?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Shenran was the one who inspired me to make them," Rarity explained, "He was telling me about the old Wishing Star festival where his parents fell in love with each other at first sight."
"How romantic!" Sweetie Belle cooed as the others giggled. Mario then sighed.
"What's wrong, Mario?" Rarity asked curiously.
"Now that Apple Bloom mentions it," said Mario, "You girls all said this was a Big-Sister-Little-Sister campout. I'm more of the big brother to you all and the only boy on this campout. Remind me why I'm here again?" The four ponies gathered around Mario.
"Maybe because we wanted you to here with us," said Applejack, "This campout might be themed with sisters in mind. But we wanted to include you 'cause that's how much we love ya." Mario smiled.
"And we girls like having a big, strong stallion to look out for us," Rarity added, "Don't we Sweetie Belle?"
"Oh yeah," said Sweetie Belle, looking rather swooned at the alicorn prince. Rarity giggled. Mario playfully rolled his eyes.
"Well I'm glad to be here," said Mario, "And is that why you asked me to wear this uniform? I can't help but feel a little silly."
"Oh nonsense, darling," said Rarity, "if you're going to be our protector, you might as well look the part."
"And you look so handsome in uniform," Sweetie Belle added. They all chuckled.
"Well, if set up is taken care of, how about I make us a good campfire lunch?" Mario proposed.
"Yeah!" Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle shouted in agreement.
A short distance away in the fore-ground, Rainbow was hovering about some bushes until she found one bush filled with some sand-red berries.
"Mmmm!" said Rainbow, "These berries look good enough to eat!" Rainbow quickly scooped up a huge collection of berries in her fore-legs.
"DON'T!" Scootaloo shouted from behind the blue Pegasus as she showed Rainbow a page of her book, "According to my book, they're extremely poisonous!" Rainbow looked at her blankly before dropping all the berries. Scootaloo just sighed with relief. But then a leaf landed on her nose. Scootaloo gasped and backed right into a twig and it snapped as she stepped on it. Scootaloo grunted as she jumped and did a one-eighty. There before her was a huge dark cave.
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!" Scootaloo screamed.
"What?" Rainbow asked as she hovered over to the orange filly.
"I heard something, I stepped on something, and I saw that creepy cave…" Scootaloo explained, "I guess I still get a little bit scared out here, even after the last camping trip."
"Don't worry, kid," said Rainbow confidently, "You've got a big sister this time." Rainbow noggied her mane, making the orange filly smile.
"Dashie! Scoots! Lunch time!" Mario called out. Rainbow and Scootaloo headed back to the campsite where Mario, Rarity, Applejack, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom were setting up all the food Mario had prepared for their lunch.
"This looks amazing!" said Apple Bloom.
"This is gonna be the best Big-Sister-Slash-Little-Sister camping trip ever!" said Scootaloo, "Especially since we've got such a handsome forest ranger protecting us." Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom giggled as Mario blushed.
"Even I had to admit," said Rainbow, "He is really cute in that uniform." Mario blushed harder and put a napkin over his face. The others laughed.
"Alright, enough teasing our big brother," said Applejack, "Let's eat!" The others began to dig in as Rarity served some punch from a canteen. Sweetie Belle was about to take a bite out of her carrot dog when a fly-der landed on it. The fly-der then looked at her and shot some webbing into her eye.
"I'll shoo that pesky bug away for you, Swe—" Mario then stopped talking and froze as he looked up. His eyes shrunk at what he was seeing.
"SWEEET CELESTIA!" Mario shrieked, his voice raising an octave at the sight. Everypony looked up. There above them was a huge, massive swarm of fly-ders descending upon them. Mario then recovered from his shock and raised a huge magic shield.
"There…that should keep them from…" Before Mario could finished, multiple blasts of webbing were fired at the barrier, destroying his shield.
"Geez, Twilight wasn't kidding she told me that their webbing was super effective against any kind of magic shields," said Mario said fearfully.
"Couldn't you just blast them away with your magic, Big Brother?" Apple Bloom asked.
"I could," Mario said dreadfully, "if they weren't invulnerable to magic blasts!" Within a few seconds, the entire swarm descended upon the seven ponies.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Everypony screamed as the fly-der swarm invaded them.
(Main theme)
As the fly-ders continued to buzz about, the group complained as the four adults tried to shoo the fly-ders away, but it was no good. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom both squatted down low while the former covered her eyes to avoid being attacked. Scootaloo was just cringing from the swarm. In the end, despite their best efforts, all the ponies were gaining were several red bug bites on their bodies. Rainbow then flew up and tried to buck large clusters of fly-ders away, but was quickly overwhelmed as they tried to surround her. Then one fly-der landed on Scootaloo's wing and took a bite.
"Ow!" Scootaloo yelped, "What are these things?! Aagh!" Scootaloo then ran for her life as a mini-swarm chased after her.
"Fly-ders!" Applejack called out as she jumped away from the swarm, "Everypony, run for cover! Don't get stuck in their—"
THUD
"—web," Applejack groaned. The fly-ders shot some web around her legs so she tripped and fell into her face. Apple Bloom ran out of the swarm, but was looking back so she ended up crashing into Applejack.
"Mario!" Sweetie Belle cried out as Rarity kept fighting on and the marshmallow filly created a mini barrier above her and had to constantly recharge it, "What about a fire flower? Or one of your star cookies?!"
"Good idea," said Mario as he looked at his saddle bags, "I think I've—" Before Mario could finish, the fly-ders shot webbing against the flaps of his saddle bags, sealing them shut tight. Mario tried to open them, but nearly got his fore-hooves stuck on the sticky webbing. Mario felt his temper flare.
"ALRIGHT?! Wanna fight dirty!" Mario raged as he jumped into the air and started home attacking large clusters of fly-ders. But the fly-ders were relentless! With every fly-der that was knocked back, several more came to take its place. It wasn't long before Mario landed back down beside Sweetie Belle, clearly out of breath, and covered with so many bites that a pony would think he was suffering a very bad case of chicken pox, especially since his uniform had been torn to shreds by the fly-ders assertively attacking him.
"Oh no! You're uniform!" Rarity cried out as Mario tossed the scraps away but kept the hat.
"Easily remade, Rares," Mario reminded her. Just then Sweetie Belle's barrier broke again.
"EEEEEEEEK!" Sweetie Belle screamed, "Now what?!" Scootaloo scooted closer to them as well.
"Follow me, everypony!" said Rainbow as she appeared from a cloud of fly-ders and gestured for them to follow.
"You heard, Dashie," Mario shouted, "Let's move, move, MOVE!" Rarity, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom all rushed into the nearby cave. Applejack bounced inside since her legs were still bound by the webbing. Mario then spin dashed inside next. Scootaloo came to the stop when she saw where they were going.
"Aaah! Not the scary cave!" Scootaloo cried out and shivered. Rainbow quickly grabbed Scootaloo and then flew inside to catch up with the rest. Inside the cave, Mario used his bare strength to tear off the webbing off of Applejack's legs. Scootaloo peeked out as the fly-ders continued to swarm their campsite.
"Where did those terrible bugs come from?" Scootaloo asked, "And why did they destroy our camp?"
"Ugh," Rainbow groaned as she, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom were scratching their bites. Rarity was using a spare comb to brush her frazzled mane.
"Fly-ders are from the Luna Bay area," Applejack answered, "Never seen 'em this far east, thought. Probably attracted to the food." Mario tore off the webbing from the straps of his saddle bags, removed the ranger hat, and found his spare fire flower.
"Alright! Ready for round two!" said Mario as powered up and held a fire-ball from his fore-hoof.
"Don't big brother," said Applejack, "You're too outnumbered. Best wait here until they're gone." Mario sighed and powered down as he went searching through his saddle bags again.
"Oh, apple rot!" Apple Bloom retorted, "Where are we supposed to do now?! We had games to play and marshmallows to roast at camp! In here, we got nothin'!" Apple Bloom pouted irritably.
"Mm, that's not entirely true," said Rarity as she hugged Sweetie Belle from behind, "We have each other." Sweetie Belle smiled in agreement.
"That's right!" said Applejack.
"Well said, twinsie," said Mario as he continued digging through his saddle bags, "And I know I had packed that thing somewhere…aha!" Mario then pulled out a spray bottle that had some light blue liquid inside of it.
"What is that?" Scootaloo asked fearfully.
"A healing potion I made," said Mario, "It will take care of our bug bites, but it does sting a bit before it kicks in though." The three fillies whimpered as all but Rainbow gave them sympathetic looks.
"Come on, I'm sure it's not that bad," said Rainbow, "Spray me up big brother!" Mario smirked an gave Rainbow a generous spritz. Rainbow smiled smugly until she felt the stinging and cringed as tears left her eyes. Then her body glowed pink and all her bug bites were healed up. Rainbow then sighed but tears were still on the corners of her eyes.
"See? It was nothing," said Rainbow, putting on a brave face, but the three fillies just whimpered as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle held their older sisters. Poor Scootaloo was alone to shiver nervously. Mario just sighed.
"You don't have to use the healing potion if you don't want to," said Mario gently, "But it will help heal your itchy bites and feel better. The stinging only lasts a few seconds and then it disappears." Mario then sprayed himself, cringing as he felt the sting for a couple of seconds before his body glowed pink and was healed of all his bites. Mario then sighed.
"See?" said Mario, "The stinging doesn't last too long and now I feel better." Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom shared nervous looks before the marshmallow filly approached Mario with a stern look on her face.
"I trust you," said Sweetie Belle bravely, "Spray me up." Mario smiled and then quickly spritzed Sweetie Belle with the potion. Sweetie Belle gave a light yelp and cringed before her body glowed pink and she sighed with relief.
"Wow, that stinging didn't last that long at all," said Sweetie Belle, "and I do feel better. Thanks, handsome." Sweetie Belle kissed Mario's cheek. The others chuckled and took their turns to get healed. While Scootaloo and Apple Bloom did cry a little, they did admit the healing potion did help alot. Everypony was surprised to see Applejack cry when Mario spritzed her, but nopony gave her a hard time about it. Once everypony had been healed up, they sat back down together.
"And this, Mario, is why we wanted you here with us for this camping trip," said Rarity. Mario just smiled modestly.
"I'm just glad I brought that healing potion," said Mario, "No need to spend the rest of our time in this cave feeling itchy after all."
"But we still don't have anything else to do in here," said Apple Bloom sadly.
"Well, if you girls and Mario want to," said Applejack, "maybe we could tell some stories to pass the time."
"That's a great idea, AJ," said Mario.
"You want stories?" Rainbow suggested, "I've got a ton of stories! Spoiler alert—they're all about me and how awesome I am!" Scootaloo looked rather uncomfortable. Rarity smirked. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle had sheepish smiles on their faces. Applejack and Mario had annoyed looks on their faces.
"In that case," said Mario, "RAGE NAP!" Mario then leaned back and pretended to snore loudly. The three fillies laughed heartily. Rarity and Applejack snickered. Rainbow snorted.
"Oh like your stories weren't about yourself," Rainbow pointed out indignantly.
"But I don't brag about myself in my stories," said Mario, "Mine are more sharing my experiences growing up with Celestia or even a memory I cherish with Cadance."
"You mean something sappy," Rainbow remarked.
"You said you loved my story when Twilight invited over to her house for the weekend," said Mario, "and I actually have a story about how her mother help me start working out and standing up for myself. It was almost like a parody that novel you read a few years ago, Rocky." Rainbow then blinked.
"Oh cool! I would totally love to hear that story!" Rainbow said excitedly.
"Me too!" Scootaloo added.
"Actually, I was thinkin' more like campfire stories," Applejack suggested.
"That works," said Mario.
"But we don't even have a campfire," Apple Bloom pointed out.
"I got this!" said Rainbow and then took off before anypony could say otherwise. They just listened as they heard the fly-ders buzzing, and then cringed at the sound of her being attacked, and she returned and threw down a perfectly created campfire.
"Wow," said Applejack, "That was brave."
"Eh…heh," said Rainbow in discomfort since her face was covered in fly-der bites, "It was no biggie." She then coughed painfully.
"Brave, but stupid," said Mario bluntly, "Dashie, you flew off so fast before I could give you this!" Mario pulled out a star cookie. He had only packed two for emergencies. Rainbow whimpered.
"That would have made the trip less painful…." Rainbow groaned.
"We aren't gonna tell scary stories like our last camping trip, are we?" Scootaloo asked worriedly as Rainbow took a seat and Rarity winced at the sight of the Pegasus's face, "It's bad enough just being in here!"
"Trust me, I already told the group no scary stories aloud," said Mario, "Rainbow already scared you once so bad you scootered into a waterfall. We don't need her doing that again."
"I right here, ya know!" Rainbow remarked indignantly.
"No duh," said Mario as he held the healing potion with his magic, "Now hold still and close your eyes so I can heal your face."
"I hate that stuff," Rainbow complained and Mario spritzed her face. Rainbow couldn't hold in her shriek since the stinging bothered her before her face glowed pink and her face was as good as new.
"Thanks Mario," said Rainbow quietly. Rainbow breathed a sigh of relief but looked away since she felt embarrassed that she shrieked. Mario kissed her forehead, but it didn't help Rainbow feel any less embarrassed.
"Don't worry Scootaloo," said Applejack so they could get back on track and divert attention away from Rainbow, "I was gonna tell you mine and Apple Bloom's favorite legend."
"Ooh! You mean Rockhoof?" said Apple Bloom, dancing on her hooves and stood on her hind legs, "I love that one! He was so strong, and when he—"
"Apple Bloom, shh!" Sweetie Belle scolded, "We haven't heard it yet!" Apple Bloom squatted down from being shouted at, but then recovered.
"Oh, okay," Apple Bloom replied sheepishly and then said giddily, "But it's so good! Heh."
"I've heard the legend of Rockhoof myself from Cadance," said Mario, "But I like to hear your take on it, Sis."
"Well, what Apple Bloom said is true," said Applejack, "Rockhoof was known far and wide for his incredible strength. But he didn't start out that way. Rockhoof was a tiny little fella, the son of a farmer."
"Just like us!" Apple Bloom shouted. Applejack shot her little sister a glare. Apple Bloom just chuckled sheepishly and cowered back.
"I wonder if he's related to us," said Mario, "I mean. I'm the son of a farmer and…well…smaller than most stallions my age." Applejack pondered.
"Never thought to check that out," said Applejack, "but he does remind me of you now that I think about it. You'll see why in a minute. They lived in a village that sat at the foot of a gigantic volcano." It was then the scene changed to show a small village on a peninsula and the volcano was in the background. As some flute music was played, two ponies wearing armor were duking it out with their spears.
"And the village was protected by an elite group of guard ponies, called the Mighty Helm," Applejack narrated. It was then one of the ponies knocked the spear of the second away. Then the two ponies laughed and shared a hug with each other. Another pony then tossed an axe at a nearby target that was painted onto a tree stump. It was also a perfect bullseye. It was then a small stallion with pale blue fur and orange mane and tail that were tied at the ends, wearing a brown vest with brown leg bands appeared.
"Young Rockhoof wanted nothing more than to be part of the Mighty Helm," said Applejack as the young stallion tried with all his might to pry the axe out of the tree stump target, but he couldn't get it bulge. He tried so hard that his lost his grip and went flying backwards toward the other Mighty Helm ponies. They all laughed at him.
"But he was told that he was too scrawny and weak to protect the village," Applejack continued as young Rockhoof looked so sad and discouraged that he started to cry. Then one stallion gave him a shovel, noggied his head, and made the young stallion fall on his face. Then they all walked off.
"But Rookhoof wouldn't take no for an answer…" Applejack continued as Rockhoof looked at his reflection in the metal part of the shovel, put a determined look on his face, adjusted his headband, and got to work digging some holes by a collection of the village outhouses.
"So he had a lot of self-determination," said Mario and then added smugly, "Or he was stubborn like somepony I know."
"Quiet you!" Applejack retorted and continued the story, "Then, one fateful day…" Rockhoof was digging a hole when the ground started to rumble violently. He peeked up from his hole just in time to see the volcano explode.
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE…" Rockhoof…squealed like a fangirl?!
"…EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"
It turned out that Apple Bloom was the one who was squealing like a fangirl.
"This is my favorite part!" Apple Bloom said excitedly.
"What happened next?!" Rainbow, Mario, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle all asked excitedly with big smiles and anime eyes. While Rarity stayed silent, she couldn't help but give her own big smile and anime eyes. Applejack just smirked.
"The molten lava poured down the side of the volcano…" Applejack continued as the scene went back to the village, where stream of yellow colored lava started oozing out of the top of the volcano. The Mighty Helm ponies began talking quickly with each other before running off. They started running amok before they reached a dock where a ship was located.
"…and try as they might," Applejack narrated as the Mighty Helm ponies stood at the docks with the villagers, "the Mighty Helm couldn't figure out a way to save the village! They had to evacuate. But the village ponies didn't wanna leave their homes. They spent their entire lives there. They had nowhere else to go!" The villagers all shook their heads to emphasize they didn't want to leave. The Might Helm then boarded the boat and sailed off, leaving the villagers behind. Rockhoof had seen everything.
"Then Rockhoof decided to do something crazy," said Applejack as the young stallion got a determined look on his face and rushed off, "He started diggin' a trench!"
"Wait a minute," said Sweetie Belle as the scene went back to their campfire, "All by himself?"
"It'd be impossible for one pony to dig a trench fast enough to stop the lava," Rainbow added, "I mean, even I couldn't do that."
"Funny you two say that," said Rarity, "when we've seen Mario do similar tasks in just seconds flat. He's certainly done the impossible plenty of times." Mario just smiled sheepishly.
"Yeah, but Mario is extra special, super cute, and has super speed and strength," said Sweetie Belle, "Nopony other than Mario could dig a trench all alone." Apple Bloom for her fore-hooves over her mouth as she gave a loud fangirling squee.
"Might wanna continue before Apple Bloom here explodes," said Mario, "I didn't bring anything to clean up the mess and put her back together again." Apple Bloom replied by giving Mario a loud raspberry. Mario gave her a raspberry back in reply. All but Applejack snickered.
"Good thing Rockhoof didn't believe in the word "impossible"," said Applejack as the scene returned to the village where Rockhoof was busy digging his trench and the lava was getting closer and closer to his location.
"He continued to work," Applejack narrated, "knowin' the odds were against him, but determined to push through it." One of the Mighty Helm ponies were trying to convince the villagers to leave when they looked to see Rockhoof hard at work. The other villagers looked back as well.
"Then," said Applejack dramatically, "somethin' magical happened." As Rockhoof was digging, a large glow appeared at the top of the shovel. The magic spiraled upward until it reached Rockhoof and then…
(cue "Mushroom Power up" fanfare)
Rockhoof doubled in size and stature, making him stronger and more muscular in appearance. Rockhoof looked at himself in surprise.
"Rockhoof visibly got stronger," said Applejack, "but the lava was getting closer." Rockhoof dug at high speed with the lava flowing directly behind him. As he reached the sea, Rockhoof quickly finished his trench and jumped out of the way just as the lava streamed into the sea, hissing as it collided with the cool sea water below. The other villagers were amazed and began to cheer for Rockhoof. The Mighty Helms Ponies just stared in shock and amazement as they made their way into the foreground. Rockhoof grabbed his shovel and super jumped over the trench to the crowd, posed, and smiled. As the Mighty Helm came over, Rockhoof gave two of the ponies some bone-crushing hugs.
"Through his extradentary determination and sheer force o' will," Applejack narrated, "Rockhoof more than earned his place in the Mighty Helm." Rockhoof and the other Might Helms ponies all laughed as the villagers cheered and raised their fore-legs into the air.
Back at the campfire, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo all cheered as well. Rainbow had a big smile on her face. Rarity, Applejack, and Mario just smiled naturally.
"Good story, Applejack!" said Rainbow, "Even if it wasn't about me."
"That's why the story was so good," Mario remarked.
"Oh bleh!" Rainbow retorted indignantly as the others giggled. Mario then gave Rainbow a hug and kissed his cheek.
"I'm just teasing you because I love my sister," Mario told Rainbow. Rainbow made a face but then just smirked.
"Love you too, ya doofus," Rainbow replied.
"I love that story," said Apple Bloom, "no matter how many times I hear it."
"Why don't we see if it's safe to head back to camp?" Rarity suggested.
"Uh, girls? Mario?" said Sweetie Belle as she peeked out from the edge of the cave, "There is no camp to go back to." All the tents, their food, and the picnic blanket were covered in fly-der webs and the swarm was still buzzing around. The others all gasped in shock and horror.
"Momma mia…" Mario groaned loudly, "it took all my strength just to pry off the small amounts of webbing from Applejack and my saddle bags. I will take hours for me to get the webbing off and that's if I don't get stuck in it myself!"
"Couldn't you use your star cookies for a boost?" Apple Bloom suggested, "You did pack your Double Gem Amulet to give you a strength boost."
"The star would boost my strength and speed," said Mario, "But I'd still be slowed down walking through all that sticky webbing. Plus my Double Gem Amulet wasn't meant to be used repeatedly in such a short period of time. I could hurt myself pushing my bodies limits too much. And if I push the duration too long, I'll be worn out and stuck in webbing and you'll all have to find a way to pull me out." Sweetie Belle groaned.
"All our hard work ruined!" Sweetie Belle groaned and walked back to their campfire looking very upset. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom looked upset as well. The four adult ponies just gave them sympathetic looks.
"I'm sorry I let you down," said Mario sadly.
"You didn't, Mario," said Sweetie Belle sternly, "I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at those stupid fly-ders."
"There, there, Sweetie Belle," said Rarity as she tried to comfort her little sister, "Not to worry."
"How?" Sweetie Belle asked, "Our camp was so pretty, and this cave is so…not."
"Oh, no-no-no-no-no, not true," said Rarity, "There's beauty in everything."
"I'm kind of surprised to hear you say that," said Mario, showing genuine surprise in his tone, "The last time we got stuck in a cave you were complaining how grey and dreary it was non-stop." Rarity snorted.
"I will admit I was being a bit dramatic the last time we were stuck in a cave," Rarity admitted honestly, "but I've learned that I wasn't looking at the cave the way I should've, meaning I wasn't trying to find the beauty within. You should me that yourself."
"Quite true," said Mario, "Sweetie Belle, I found this just now. Hold it for a second." Mario used his magic to give Sweetie Belle what looked like an egg-shaped rock. Sweetie Belle gave the rock a funny look.
"What's with the rock?" said Sweetie Belle. Mario then used his magic to draw an X on the rock.
"Give it a firm tap right there with your battle hammer," Mario told the filly. Sweetie Belle pulled out her battle hammer, which Pinkie showed the Cutie Mark Crusaders her special storage trick, and gave the rock a firm hammer strike. The hammer strike cracked the rock into two perfect halves. Inside were some beautiful purple crystals inside of it.
"Oooooooooooooooooh!" said the three fillies in surprise.
"See, Sweetie Belle," said Rarity, "Even these blah rocks aren't really blah. If you look closely, you can see flecks of gold in them. And the way the firelight dances on the cave wall, shadow and light? Ooh, it's so gorgeous!" Rarity then rubbed the cave wall a bit to show that the rocks had flecks of gold in them. Then she used her fore-legs to make some shadow puppets, creating a ballerina. It was then a male dancer appeared.
"May I have this dance," said Mario in a formal tone, revealing it was the male dancer shadow puppet.
"Why yes you may, darling," said Rarity as they made their dancers share a formal dance together. The other smiled, except for Sweetie Belle, who still looked rather upset. Rarity then got another idea.
"Sweetie Belle, have I ever told you about my favorite legend?" Rarity asked her younger sister.
"No, I didn't know you had one," Sweetie Belle replied.
"Her name…was Mistmane," said Rarity. Mario oohed in amazement.
"Mistmane?" said Rainbow, "Isn't she the old wrinkly sorceress with the flower?"
"Yeeees," said Rarity slowly, trying not to take offense to Rainbow's blunt remarks.
"Hey, don't mock Mistmane, Dashie," said Mario indignantly, "She's also Shenran's favorite legend as well. His mother is a descendant of one of the head families of the old imperial empire after all. There's a good chance her family might have known Mistmane's descendants."
"Has he ever gone to that region to find out?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"The imperial families lived many, many moons ago," said Rarity, "Most of the villages in that region lie in ruins and most of the imperial unicorns have moved to other regions of Equestria."
"Shenran said he and Fluttershy want to take trip there someday so he can learn more about his family roots," said Mario, "but he just hasn't had the time yet."
"Wouldn't it be cool if Shenran was actually related to Mistmane's family?" Scootaloo asked excitedly.
"Now that would be amazing," said Mario, "But I'm kind of curious to what Rarity might know about Mistmane?"
"Did you know she used to be the most beautiful unicorn in all the land?" Rarity told the others.
"No," said Rainbow flatly.
"Is somepony jealous?" Mario teased, making Rarity smirk.
"Just get on with the story!" Rainbow snapped with her cheeks deep red.
"So what happened to her?!" the three fillies asked.
"Please do, Rares," said Mario, "Shenran's has never told me about her lost beauty."
"With pleasure, Twinsie," said Rarity, "Well, Mistmane was a very promising young sorceress." The scene then changed and some Asian-style music began to play as an imperial village came into view. There just outside of the village was a lavender pony with a curled horn. She had a teal mane and tail that constantly flowed. She was also wearing a cyan blue shirt.
"She was as talented as she was beautiful and kind," Rarity narrated, "Everypony loved her and missed her when she was sent to the finest magic school." The other imperial unicorns all smiled and waved her goodbye, except for one unicorn with orange fur and a magenta mane tied in a geisha updo. She glared jealously at Mistmane and stomped off bitterly.
At the imperial magic school, Mistmane was busy working on a potion when a messenger arrived to give her a scroll. Mistmane used her magic to open and read it.
"While she was gone," Rarity continued, "she was delighted to find out that her best friend, Sable Spirit, was crowned empress. She couldn't wait to return home once she finished her studies." Mistmane smiled and wasted no time packing up and heading back home.
"But once she arrived," said Rarity as Mistmane entered the main gates of her village, "she was devastated by what she saw." Mistmane found the entire area looking very worn down. The grass had deteriorated as well and several weeds were poking out. The local villagers looked sad and miserable. Mistmane then walked up to a nearby stallion.
"What happened here?" Mistmane asked sadly.
"The Empress happened," the villager said bluntly and bitterly, "She makes everypony work day and night on her palace. We don't have time to take care of anything else."
"But that can't be," said Mistmane in disbelief, "I know her! She would never do this."
"But there was no denying what was in front of her," Rarity said as Mistmane saw an imperial colt running off with a flower in his possession. Then a red magic glow snatched it away and brought it over to a chariot where a masked figure was sitting inside. The chariot rushed off as the colt tried to pursue, but he was quickly left in the dust and forced to walk off in defeat.
"Sable Spirit took everything that was beautiful away from anypony else!" Rarity said, "and Mistmane was sure there had to be some explanation." Mistmane saw the whole scene unfold. Then with a determined look on her face, she rushed toward the palace.
"I'd assume there was, too," said Sweetie Belle as the scene returned to the campfire, "If somepony told me either one of you two'd gone evil…"
"Yeah, I'd never believe it," said Scootaloo.
"I dunno," said Apple Bloom smugly, "I've seen the way you two get when you miss breakfast." Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo gave her stern glares. Mario smirked.
"And we've seen how you get when you're in a bad mood," said Mario.
"Now that's evil," said Scootaloo as she, Sweetie Belle, and Mario snickered. Now it was Apple Bloom's turn to glare, but then a devious smirk appeared on her face.
"And Mario, sweetie," said Apple Bloom in a sweet but sinister tone, "We've seen how you get when you throw temper tantrums."
"Oooooooooooooooooooooooh!" Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Rainbow cooed, knowing Apple Bloom had crossed the line saying that. Mario just glared at Apple Bloom and started walking up to her with a smile that was anything but friendly.
"Heh…just kiddin'," Apple Bloom chuckled nervously, inwardly praying Mario would back down. But Mario walked up, and started tickling Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom squealed and began to laugh uncontrollably.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I surrender! I surrender! EEEK!" Apple Bloom cried out and squealed again. Mario kept tickling her for a few more seconds before letting the filly catch her breath and went back to sitting down, looking rather pleased with himself. Applejack didn't resist chuckling to herself at the whole scene. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle couldn't help laughing as well while Rainbow and Rarity both smirked. Apple Bloom sat up and sighed loudly.
"Ok…I asked for that," Apple Bloom admitted, "But I'd want answers too."
"So did Mistmane," said Rarity as she got the story back on track, "She went to confront her friend."
"That sounds like something Mario would do," said Apple Bloom, "if he knew one of us was in the wrong, he wouldn't hesitate to seek answers and confront us over it."
"Yeah, that is true," said Applejack, "Guess Mistmane must have a strong sense of justice."
"Indeed she did," said Rarity as she used her fore-hooves to do a shadow puppet of Mistmane walking. The scene then changed to the imperial palace as Mistmane sternly walked down the imperial courtyard. She wasted no time walking right up the empress's throne.
"Sable, is that you?" Mistmane asked the pony sitting on the throne who was dressed in black and wearing a black veil over her face.
"Don't tell me you don't recognize your old friend," Sable said smugly.
"I don't," Mistmane replied honestly, "My friend would never work our families and friends to the bone for something as silly as a palace."
"Silly?" Sable snorted and boasted, "My palace is a beacon of beauty! Anypony who passes will be in awe of its majesty!"
"What good is a pretty place if it just hides the misery of its ponies?" Mistmane asked.
"Beauty is everything," Sable replied, "You taught me that."
"What?!" Mistmane replied, feeling taken aback by that remark.
"You were always the pretty one," Sable said spitefully as she walked off her throne and circled around Mistmane, "You got to go the best magic school. Everypony missed you. Everypony loved you! I admit I was jealous, so I tried to perform a spell that would make me beautiful. You can see how that went!" Mistmane gasped as Sable removed her black veil. The failed spell had turned made the young adult Sable look like an elderly pony, with a white mane and wrinkles to boot!
"I found if I couldn't have beauty," said Sable, "I would take it. I wasn't chosen to eb empress, you know. I took it! Just like I'm going to take everything else."
"I can't let you do that," said Mistmane firmly.
"Let me?" Sable retorted with a laugh. She then cast a spell to contain Mistmane inside a collection of black vines. Mistmane used her magic to destroy the vines and then leaned forward, ready for battle. Sable then made a red dragon appear from her horn. Mistmane then created a blue dragon to fight back, which lunged for Sable's dragon. The two dragons continued to battle each other. But one could tell Mistmane clearly had the upper hoof. Sable was grunting and growling as she used her magic to control her dragon, showing she was relying on her anger and resentment to give her strength. Mistmane has her eyes closed and was calm, focusing her magic so her attacks were more precise and was able to block Sable's attacks with ease. Eventually, Mistmane's dragon curled around the red dragon and destroyed it. She then fired a magic blast at Sable, who jumped out of the way just in time. Sable smirked smugly until she realized Mistmane was one step ahead of her. Some vines sprouted out of the soil, grabbing Sable and imprisoning her inside of a giant cocoon. The guard ponies stared and then cheered at Mistmane's victory, but Mistmane was anything but pleased.
"Everypony thought Sable Spirit was defeated, and that was that," Rarity narrated, "But Mistmane knew there was more she could do to help." Mistmane then saw a lone pink flower. She took it outside and planted it. Then cast a spell over it.
"Beauty isn't everything," said Rarity, "But Mistmane knew that it does have the power to make ponies smile." As the surrounding land was restored, Mistmane appearance became old and wrinkly, even her shirt was worn and tattered. She had drained her youthful beauty to restore the village to its former glory.
"She made a huge sacrifice to bring that smile back to her friends' and family's faces," said Rarity, "including Sable Spirit's." Sable gasped when she saw that she was not only freed, but no longer old and wrinkly. Mistmane stood before her with a warm smile on her face. Sable gasped when she saw her friend's now elderly appearance.
"You did this for me?" Sable croaked, "Even after I was so cruel?" Mistmane gave Sable a hug, bring Sable to tears as she returned the gesture.
"Sable was so touched that she vowed to be more like her friend in the ways that mattered," said Rarity, "From then on, she ruled with kindness and compassion." Later, Sable sat on her throne with warm smile on her face as several ponies stood before her. The little imperial colt stepped forward as Sable gave him a flower crown to wear, which made him smile. Sable smiled back and the other ponies cheered. Mistmane quietly watched everything in the background before slipping away unnoticed.
"Even though she gave away her physical beauty," said Rarity, "She dedicated her life to spreading beauty all over Equestria. Any time you go out of your way to brighten somepony's day by doing something like giving them flowers, you're following in the hoofsteps of Mistmane." As Rarity concluded her story, two farmers were standing before a lifeless tree. Mistmane appeared and used her magic to revive the tree so it was healthy and strong again. The farmers were most impressed until they were shocked to see a trail of beautiful flowers on the ground. Apparently, Mistmane was creating them as she walked off into the sunset.
Back in the cave, Rarity made a shadow puppet of Mistmane walking off into the background. She then looked at Sweetie Belle, who was smiling at her.
"I think she's my favorite legend too," said Sweetie Belle. She and Rarity then shared a sisterly nuzzle with each other.
"Her will make such a big sacrifice is why she's Shenran's favorite legend as well," said Mario, "He'll do anything to protect those he loves and cares about. It why he was such an acclaimed member of the Royal Guard."
"She also reminds me of you, handsome," said Sweetie Belle, "You see the beauty in us all, no matter who we are or what we have done. And you help us embrace that beauty and brighten our day."
"Well, you all are beautiful in your own way," said Mario, "After all, you don't need to seek perfection, compare yourself to other ponies, or that you have to be girly and into dresses to think that you are beautiful. True beauty comes from being content with who you are and how you look and showing that confidence to others. And as your friend, I want to help you guys embrace that fact about yourself until it sticks. I don't tell you that because it's the gentlepony thing to do. It's because it's the truth and I want that truth to stick in your minds so that, even when you have a bad day or your mane and fur is out of shape, it doesn't make that truth a lie. Because true beauty is from the heart, not your physical appearance." There a long silence as every mare and filly around the campfire was just smiling, except for Rainbow, who was actually crying.
"Rainbow Dash?!" said Scootaloo in surprise.
"I can't help it," Rainbow sobbed, "Mario's so sweet and he…he makes me feel beautiful…" Rainbow just sniffled as the others chuckled and Mario gave the cyan Pegasus a handkerchief to dry her eyes. Rainbow was about to say thank you when the campfire was put out by some webbing splatting the fire-place.
"Huh?" said Mario in surprise and looked up, "SWEET CELESTIA!" The others looked up and saw the fly-ders buzzing toward them. Scootaloo screamed and covered her eyes fearfully.
"Ugh! These Fly-ders won't quit!" Rainbow complained as Rarity and Sweetie Belle held each other, "What do they want from us now?"
"Well, like it or not, we're food, too," said Applejack.
"And I've got the bites to prove it," said Sweetie Belle as she lifted her fore-leg to show a few bites Mario's healing potion had missed.
"What are we gonna do?!" Scootaloo asked in a panicked tone, "They're almost here!" Mario shivered and then a stern determined look appeared on his face.
"I'll tell you what we're gonna do," said Mario as he equipped his Double Gem Amulet on, "I'm going all out!" Mario then activated the red gem.
POWER GEM!
Mario's body glowed red and then a ball of light appeared from his horn, growing larger in size at a tremendous rate. Scootaloo screamed again.
"Are you crazy?!" Scootaloo shrieked, "You'll take us out along with the fly-ders with a blast that big!" Rainbow winced and then got an idea of her own. She flew up to the ceiling of the cave and gave it a good buck, causing the rocks to crash down between them and the Fly-ders. Mario was so shocked that he let his power gem run out, causing his ball of light to pop like a balloon and leaving him feeling very exhausted. Rainbow landed with satisfied smile on her face until she saw Applejack glaring at her.
"What?!" Rainbow asked cluelessly, "Now those bugs can't get in!"
"You dummy!" Mario snapped, still laying stomach first on the ground due to the fatigue, "Fly-ders are attracted to light! I was creating a ball of light to lure the Fly-ders away from us and our camp. Then we could try to salvage our gear and locate somewhere safe! Now you've trapped us in here!"
"And we can't get out!" Scootaloo cried out, scratching the rocks and started to hyperventilate. Rarity and Applejack just gave the orange Pegasus some sympathetic looks. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle winced. Mario wasted no time rushing over and pulling the still hyperventilating filly into his fore-legs for a hug. He also gave Rainbow a stern glare.
"Why is it that you can never think things through?!" Mario scolded Rainbow, "Now because of you, poor Scootaloo is scared out of her wits!" Mario then stroked the filly's magenta mane to try and calm her down.
"Easy, Scoots, easy," said Mario in a gentle tone, "You'll be okay. I promise." Scootaloo's breathing began to settle a little, but she gave a loud whimper and started cry. Mario just held her protectively and gave Rainbow a bitter look.
"Oh get off my case!" Rainbow snapped.
"You did this to her!" Mario yelled angrily.
"I'm sorry alright!" Rainbow yelled.
"Don't apologize to me!" Mario retorted, "Apologize to the little filly you call your little sister but keep making her feel worse!"
"Easy you two," said Applejack, "Let's all just stay calm. Let me re-light this fire…no use arguin' since what's done is done." Mario glared at Rainbow and saw Scootaloo was still crying.
"Sorry, AJ," said Mario, "I just know what it's like to be really scared. This might be hard to believe, but I've been terrified this entire time." The others were surprised.
"Wait, you're scared right now?!" said Scootaloo, not bothering to dry her eyes or wipe her cheeks. Mario nodded.
"While I wouldn't say it's a phobia," said Mario, "But bugs really creep me out. I can handle certain bugs like butterflies, and single spiders and such. But massive swarms of bugs that can bite and sting you to kingdom come…" Mario shuddered and whimpered, "…It's my worst nightmare! And I'm sorry to say that Twilight's crazy research projects in our younger days led us to getting stung and bitten by swarms of bugs…more times han I want to remember. That fly-der swarm scares me half to death." Mario gave another whimper and shivered.
"But you've never shown it," Apple Bloom pointed out, "At least until now."
"Well listening to your stories and being around you guys help me be less scared," said Mario, "Plus despite my fear, I'm not going to let it stop me from protecting you. I'd rather have a body cover in fly-der bites than let any of them hurt you. That's how much I love you guys." Scootaloo gave Mario a cheek kiss.
"This is why we like you so much, Mario," said Scootaloo, "You're not afraid to admit stuff like that to us. And it's nice to know I'm not the only one scared right now."
"At least you know I understand how you feel," said Mario, "Just remember that you're not all alone in dealing with it. You have all of us to help you feel better. Even that knucklehead of a big sister over there." Rainbow blew Mario a raspberry as the others all laughed.
"Now that's more like it," said Applejack as she finished relighting the fire, "A little laughter can go a long way in making a bad situation better."
"We just have to wait until the swarm moves on," said Rarity as she and Sweetie Belle took a seat near the fire, "Then we'll think of a way out."
"Works for me, twinsie," said Mario as Scootaloo cuddled up close to him, "I think we've all had enough bugs for one day." The others all nodded in agreement.
"How long will that be?!" Scootaloo asked worriedly, "Don't bears live in caves?!" Scootaloo then moaned, hugged her hind legs, and began to panic. Rarity, Sweetie Belle, and Mario gave Scootaloo some concerned looks.
"Whoa-whoa-whoa, Scootaloo," said Rainbow, "You're focusing on the wrong things."
"You have a plan?!" Scootaloo asked hopefully as she got into her older sister's face. Then bit her lower lip nervously.
"Close," Rainbow replied, "I have a story." Scootaloo gave the cyan Pegasus an "are you kidding me?!" look.
"Lemme guess—it's about you?" Applejack asked annoyingly.
"RAGE NAP!" Mario shouted and immediately went to sleep with his head leaned back. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle snickered. Rainbow flew over and pushed Mario back so he fell over.
"What's with your sarcasm today?" said Rainbow annoyingly, "I didn't even say what or who the story is about!"
"Well, for starters, you're not being very helpful to Scootaloo and nopony messes with my best friend," said Mario firmly as he sat up.
"Well maybe I'm trying to help her by telling her a story," said Rainbow, "Even if it is about me, I have stories that aren't about me bragging about myself!" Mario huffed, but knew this was true since Rainbow had actually shared those kinds of stories with him, privately.
"Very well," said Mario, "Is it about you and what is it about?"
"First, practically, and second, it's actually a pony who reminds me of you," said Rainbow, "It's about my favorite legend, Flash Magnus!" Rainbow then posed with her wings opened.
"Ah!" said Mario, "Shenran's a big fan of him as well."
"Because he was part of the Royal Guard like Flash was?" Rainbow asked.
"Of course," said Mario, "Flash Magnus was Shenran's inspiration when he was proving himself in the Royal Academy. He still has the poster too."
"Shenran's has a Flash Magnus poster?!" said Rainbow in surprise, "Awesome!"
"Hold on," said Apple Bloom, "Wasn't he the pony who took on the dragons?"
"Dragons?!" Scootaloo spluttered as she sat and trembled, "Big, scary, mean ones or like Spike?"
"Oh, these were definitely the big, scary, and mean kind!" said Rainbow. Scootaloo gave a panicked sigh as she buried her face into her fore-legs and was looking more frightened than ever. Rainbow looked to see Rarity and Applejack giving her glares, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom gave her sad and worried looks, and Mario was giving her a scowl.
"Dashie, you're on really thin ice right now," Mario warned with a low growl. Rainbow rushed over to him.
"I got this, just trust me, okay?" Rainbow whispered to Mario. Mario glared and then sighed as he gave her a slow nod. Rainbow then went back to the still shivering Scootaloo.
"But not too scary," said Rainbow as she walked up to the fire, "You can sit closer to me if you want." Scootaloo quickly zipped over and went back to cowering beside Rainbow. Rainbow gave her a gentle smile and put a wing over her for protection.
"A long time ago," Rainbow began, "before the Wonderbolts were even founded…" The scene then changed to show a mustard colored Pegasus stallion with a red mane and tail wearing Roman style military attire and helmet flying in the sky with two other Pegasi in uniform, "Flash Magnus was a lowly cadet in the Royal Legion." As some heroic music began to play, Flash gave his fellow comrades some high-fives with his wings as they caught up with their commander.
"And the Legion needed to fly over the Dragon Lands to get to their comrades on the other side," Rainbow Dash narrated, "But as they got closer to the dragons…" Flash began to cough as some smoke appeared in their way. Then two very large dragons appeared.
"…the dragons attacked!" said Rainbow as the two dragons roared loudly at the Legion.
Back at the campfire, poor Scootaloo was so frightened that she was hold clinging onto Rainbow's head and her lips, giving the cyan Pegasus a funny looking face.
"You said this wasn't too scary," Scootaloo whined as she shivered on top of Rainbow's head.
"Scootaloo," said Rainbow in a very muffled voice, "if you just hang in there—"
"What?" Scootaloo asked as Rainbow pried the filly off her face and set her down on the ground.
"I said if you just hang in there," said Rainbow firmly, "I promise you'll like the ending." Scootaloo just kept shivering.
"Scootaloo, why don't you come here and I'll hold you while Rainbow finishes the story," Mario offered and patted the ground in front of him.
"I'll hold her, thank you!" said Rainbow indignantly as she used a wing to pull the orange filly close to her side.
"Why you?" Mario asked bluntly.
"She's my sister and I love her, that's why!" Rainbow snapped.
"You…love me, Rainbow Dash?" Scootaloo said in surprise, "I…never heard you tell me that."
"Well, duh, you're my little sister after all," said Rainbow, trying to play it cool, but then realized something, "I mean…I've never told you that before?" Scootaloo just shook her head, but still smiled as she cuddled up to Rainbow's side. Rainbow smiled but then noticed that everypony else was giving her smiles and smirks, making her feel a little uncomfortable.
"So, like I was saying," Rainbow continued, eager to change the subject, "Flash Magnus and the Royal Legion tried to get past the dragons…" The scene changed to the smokey sky where a green and dark blue dragon appeared and breathed fire at the Legion, "…but the dragons wouldn't let them!"
"Everypony, retreat!" Commander Ironhead shouted. Imitating the sound of airplanes, as they split up to avoid a giant dragon tail swipe, separating Flash from the other ponies.
"Flash Magnus and a few other cadets were separated from the battalion," Rainbow continued, "He managed to get away, but the dragons captured his friends and took them back to their lair!" The two ponies screamed as the two large dragons carried them inside of a cave. Flash glared with determination and tried to go after them, but he was quickly intercepted by Commander Ironhead and pulled down to the ground where the rest of the now battered battalion was hiding inside of a trench, cowering fearfully.
"Commander! We need to save our captured comrades!" said Flash.
"I appreciate your loyalty, Flash Magnus," said Commander Ironhead, "but getting past those dragons is going to be impossible. Nothing will work." He quickly turned away.
"The commander was right," said Apple Bloom as the scene returned to the campfire, "You can't outfight dragons."
"Unless you're Mario," said Sweetie Belle, but was surprised to see Mario sadly shake his head.
"You mean you fought a dragon and lost?!" said Apple Bloom in surprise.
"It was never about not being strong enough," said Rarity, "but rather about fighting with honor."
"What do you mean?" Scootaloo asked.
"When I was fighting Garble," Mario explained, "I had the upper hoof, but he played dirty and stole my Double Gem amulet. He used both gems to boost his strength and speed, pushing me right off the edge of a cliff into the abyss." The three fillies gasped.
"You fell into an abyss and survived?!" said Sweetie Belle in shock.
"Mostly because his disguise gave him this heavy, spiked shell to break his fall," said Rarity, "But the poor stallion was sore and achy for an entire week after that." Mario shuddered.
"I still remember the back aches," said Mario and groaned as he stretched his back, "So you can still say a pony can't outfight a dragon. not even me."
"But you can out-think them," said Rainbow.
"Now that is always true," said Mario. Scootaloo cringed.
Back in the story, Flash got an idea.
"Commander Ironhead," said Flash Magus, "I'm pretty sure I can outfly the dragons. If I can lure them into chasing me, you can all sneak into the lair and retrieve our friends before they get back."
"Are you really willing to take that chance, soldier?" Commander Ironhead asked sternly.
"I am, sir," said Flash bravely and saluted with a wing.
"It's a very brave thing you're doing," said Commander Ironhead, "You'll need all the help you can get." He then presented Flash with a bronze shield.
"Is this…Netitus, the fireproof shield?!" Flash asked in amazement.
"It had protected Legion heroes for generations," Commander Ironhead told him, "And today, I can't think of a worthier flank for Netitus to protect." He then gave Flash the shield and beat his chest.
"Good luck, soldier," said Commander Ironhead. The other soldiers gave Flash some salutes as Flash flew off toward the mouth of the large cave. Once inside, Flash breathed deeply.
"Hey!" Flash shouted loudly, "Come and get me, fire-breath! If you can!" He then clanked the shield with a fore-hoof, "Hey, hey! Come and get me! Hey, I'm over here!" Suddenly, two large yellow eyes appeared from the darkness and then a mouth opened to show a huge ball of yellow. Flash quickly raised Netitus to block the flames. While Netitus protected him, the top of his helmet did get burnt.
"While Flash Magnus bravely flow for his life," Rainbow narrated as Flash lured the dragons away from the cave, "Commander Ironhead was able to get his soldiers back." The commander than guided the rest of the troops into the cave.
"Flash Magnus flew like the wind," Rainbow continued, "faster than the dragons!" as Flash soared above the clouds as the two dragons continued to shoot fire at him. He also used his shield to block and evade the oncoming fire as well. Then both dragons shot fire at Flash simultaneously.
"But he knew he couldn't do this forever," said Rainbow, "Luckily, he had a plan." Flash looked down below and saw that Commander Ironhead and the other troops had rescued his friends. He then gestured for other Pegasi to gather up all the surrounding thunder clouds and bundle them together into one giant electric storm. Once they were done, Commander Ironhead wiped his brow and then whistled for the other troops to follow him. Flash continued to dodge and evade the fireballs.
"He led the dragons straight into a storm that the Legion had planted!" said Rainbow as Flash and the two dragons entered the storm. Then…
BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZT!
"One taste of the lightning, and the dragons retreated," said Rainbow as the two dragons, now looking slightly fried, flew off in disgrace. Commander Ironhead and his troops shared worried looks since Flash hadn't come out of the storm yet. Just as they feared the worst, Flash came out and coughed, looking battered and fried.
"Flash Magnus' plan worked!" said Rainbow as the troops cheered or their fellow soldier. Commander Ironhead then hovered up to Flash with a stern look on his face. Flash went to hand the commander the shield, but Commander Ironhead pushed it back and saluted, making it clear that Flash could keep Netitus. Flash smiled back in reply.
Back at the campfire, Rainbow was also smiling smugly.
"Wow!" said Scootaloo, "I did like that ending." Rainbow pulled the orange filly into her fore-legs and gave her a playful toss.
"Told ya!" said Rainbow, "He always inspired me to be my brave and awesome self."
"Mm-hmm!" said Apple Bloom as the others nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, I guess he kinda reminds me of you," said Applejack.
"Tch! You guess?" Rainbow retorted indignantly, "Come on, I'm just like him!"
"Not really," said Mario, "He uses his brain before doing something dangerous."
"You just can't get off my case about that can you?" Rainbow said indignantly. Mario's reply was sticking his tongue out at the cyan Pegasus. Rainbow just blew a raspberry at him, making everypony else laugh. Applejack then paused for a moment and realized something.
"Hey, do you hear that?" Applejack asked the group. Mario put a fore-hoof to his ear.
"Hear what, Sis?" Mario asked as Rarity raised a fore-hoof to her ear as well.
"Uh, I don't hear anythin'," said Apple Bloom.
"Exactly!" said Applejack, "Those gosh-darn Fly-ders are gone! We can get out! Care to give me hoof, big brother?"
"You bet!" said Mario, "Let's give this rock wall some good ol' fashioned Apple power!"
"Yee-haw! Let's get out of here!" Applejack replied as the two siblings went to start digging through the rocks. Mario then heard some rumbling.
"Sis, look out!" Mario called out and dived into Applejack.
"Whoa!" Applejack yelped as Mario pushed her out of the way of some tumbling rocks.
"Or not," said Rarity.
"You alright AJ?" Mario asked with concern as he helped his sister to her hooves.
"I am thanks to you," said Applejack, giving Mario a grateful nuzzle to say thank you, and then faced the rest of the group, "We're gonna have to see if we can get out the other way." The group looked further down the back part of the cave.
"You mean go further into the dark, spooky cave?!" Scootaloo said fearfully and shivered. Rainbow knelt before the orange filly.
"Scootaloo, just remember the story," Rainbow told her, "Gotta be brave like me, Flash Magnus, and the sarcastic big mouth over there, okay?"
"I heard that!" Mario retorted indignantly. Scootaloo giggled as she gave Rainbow a smile. Rainbow gave her a caring hug and then tucked Scootaloo under a wing to help her feel safe. Rarity and Mario both lit their horn as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle followed behind them. Applejack followed behind the two fillies and Rainbow and Scootaloo were at the back of the group. Rainbow continued to keep Scootaloo under her wing. Mario then got an idea.
(Cue "Mario Party options house" music, AKA the original Super Mario Bros underground theme with dubstep!)
"Mmmm…diggin' that sweet beat bro," said Apple Bloom as she bopped her head to the beat.
"Yeah, this place isn't so scary when music like that," said Scootaloo, bopping her head to the beat.
"Yeah," said Mario in a smooth tone at just the right moment go follow the beat of the music. Rarity and Applejack snickered, but both agreed that Mario's little music tune was very catchy. The group continued to look around and enjoy the dubstep when something else caught Apple Bloom's attention.
"Stop the music, Big Bro," said Apple Bloom, "I hear water!"
"And if there's flowing water, then…" Rarity began.
"…it might lead to the way out!" Applejack finished.
"Let's a-go!" Mario called out as the group rushed ahead. They soon reached the end of the path and found a flowing steam before them.
"Whoa!" said the three fillies together.
"Interesting," said Mario before looking at Scootaloo, "If we go down this stream, we will most likely stumble upon a waterfall at some point. You gonna be alright?" Scootaloo gave a nervous whimper, but Rainbow gave her a side hug, making the orange filly feel better and gave Mario a brave nod.
"Alright," said Mario and then turned to Rarity, "Are you gonna be okay? I know you hate getting that perfect mane of yours wet?" Rarity blinked then smirked.
"Answer this question as quickly as you can…" Rarity replied.
"Yes, you're pretty with a wet mane," Mario answered, "wish you'd go a day with it straight." Rarity chuckled.
"Then, for you, I'll manage," said Rarity and then spoke to the rest of the group, "Okay, on three. One, two—"
"Three!" said Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle as they jumped into the water. Applejack, Rarity, and Mario exchanged smirks with each other before jumping into the water as well. As the five ponies started to float down the stream. Rainbow jumped into the water reclining on her back as Scootaloo sat on the Pegasus's stomach for a ride. The group hadn't gone far before they found that there was a large wall before them.
"Oh no! A dead end!" Scootaloo cried out. Mario pondered since he could feel the water still flowing. He breathed deeply before diving under the water. The rest of the group waited anxiously until Mario surfaced a few seconds later.
"The current continues under the water," said Mario.
"Y-y-you mean we have to swim underwater?!" Scootaloo asked nervously.
"You'll be alright," said Mario as he brought his saddle bags to the surface, he then pulled out some chained necklaces that had a silver pendant with bubbles on them, "These air charms will allow us to breathe underwater to make the journey easier."
"Big Bro, you continue to amaze," said Applejack as Mario put the necklaces on the others.
"Follow the leader," said Mario as he dived back underwater. The others did the same.
(Cue favorite "Mario underwater level" music)
As the ponies all swam underwater together with Mario leading the pack, they couldn't help but enjoy the surroundings, as well as the fact they could breathe underwater. Despite being underwear, the area was lit up by glowing mushrooms and tall stalks of corral in various colors. There were also red, green, and yellow fish with large eyes and O shaped lips that were watching the ponies swim by. Then the group swam past a small collection of rocks, which contained a red fish with an O mouth big enough to swallow an adult pony whole. The fish watched the group menacingly as they came up to a nearby green pipe that was sealed off with a grate. Since there was no other way down the current, Mario used his magic to unbolt the grate on the pipe so they could travel inside it. That was when the giant red fished swam after them, ready for is next meal. Scootaloo was the first to see it.
"M-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m…!" Scootaloo spluttered as she tapped Rainbow's side to get her attention. Rainbow turned around curiously and then winced when they saw the big fish coming up to them. She then got the attention of everypony else, except for Mario. They all cringed and then everypony was tapping and nudging Mario frantically to get his attention.
"Calm down girls! We'll be out of here soon—" Mario said when Sweetie Belle grabbed his head and made him look back, "WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Mario screamed and then decided to use his full strength to tear off the grate, gestured for everypony to get inside the pipe. Then Mario swam inside just as the big fish smacked into the pipe with a disappointed look on its face. It was apparently too big to fit into the pipe.
It wasn't long before the seven ponies shot out of the other end of the pipe, through what appeared to be a waterfall.
"Woo-hoo!" Apple Bloom cheered.
"Yeah-ha-ha!" Sweetie Belle cheered.
"Yee-haw!" Mario shouted excitedly as Applejack and Rarity cheered as well before splashed into calm water below. Rainbow used her wings to keep herself and Scootaloo, who she was holding with her fore-legs, in the air above the pond. She knew Scootaloo didn't want to experience going down a waterfall again. Then gently set her on the shore as the rest of the ponies came out of the water. Mario, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle were the first to shake themselves dry.
"Huh," said Applejack as she looked around the area, "Well, what do you know? We found ourselves a shortcut to Winsome Falls!" Besides the lake they had surfaced from, the area was surrounded by large trees with pink flowers in them, lush grass, and clouds spewing down rainbow to the ground.
"Wow!" said Mario since this was his first time seeing the place.
"It's never looked so beautiful," said Scootaloo with a sigh.
"Well, almost," said Rarity as she finished re-curling her mane. She then used her magic to grab some pink flowers and made flower crowns for each of the three fillies. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo exchange smiles with each other.
"We sure are sorry that our camping trip wasn't what we hoped it would be," said Applejack to the three fillies.
"Are you kidding?" Apple Bloom replied, "This trip is awesome!"
"It is?" said Rarity as she and Rainbow shared surprised looks with each other.
"We got to hear legendary stories and go on an adventure," said Sweetie Belle, "Not to mention spend time with Mr. Handsome over here." Mario blushed as Rainbow snickered at his expense.
"Wait, you three wanna stay?" said Applejack in surprise.
"Of course we do!" Cutie Mark Crusaders said together and gave the adults smiles.
"We could turn those trees into a nice, little shelter!" said Sweetie Belle.
"We can get you some big logs and branches to help build it!" said Apple Bloom.
"And I bet we could find some more berries!" said Scootaloo, "Come on! I can't wait to see what happens next year!"
"Let'sa go!" Mario called out as Rainbow flew ahead as Applejack and Rarity followed after them. By the time the sun began to set, the group had created their very own tree house shelter. And thanks to Scootaloo's guidebook, the group was able to enjoy a fresh natural salad for their meal and then Mario managed to keep a bag of marshmallow for roasting and s'mores. Since it had been a busy day, the three fillies were already fast asleep in the shelter just a couple of hours after the sun had set. Rarity used a blanket she had sown together using leaves to tuck them in for the night. Rainbow had just put out the first their campfire when Rarity and Applejack yawned.
"Time to hit the hay so we can get up bright and early for hiking," said Applejack.
"I could use some shut eye," Rarity added in a tired tone, "It's certainly been an exciting day."
"You can say that again," said Rainbow and then looked around, "By the way, where's Mario?"
"Over here girls!" Mario called out, "You gotta check this out!" The three ponies walked over to where Mario was laying on his stomach in the soft grass.
"What's up?" Rainbow asked. Mario pointed a fore-leg to the sky. The three ponies looked up and saw the night sky was filled with stars of various colors and sizes.
"What a view!" said Rarity.
"Awesome!" said Rainbow as they all took a seat in the grass so they looked like a plus sign. The group took turns pointing out stars and trying to play connect the dots for a few minutes, even sharing a few laughs together before sighing contently in the grass. There was a brief silence before Mario gave loud sigh.
"Something on your mind, darling?" Rarity asked.
"It's just hard for me to believe that I have so much in common with those legends you told about," said Mario, "I've never really thought I could compare myself to such amazing ponies."
"That's pretty funny coming from you," said Rainbow.
"What do you mean?" Mario asked curiously.
"While these legends might be famous for great things," said Rarity, "They are still ponies just like you and me."
"Just like you're always telling us that about Celestia and Luna," said Applejack, "It still blows my mind what you three did for your party. I had no idea the princesses liked mattress surfing." Mario chuckled.
"I gotta have you girls try that out someday," said Mario, "it was so much fun."
"I'm down with that!" said Rainbow as they all laughed. Once they laughter had settled again, Mario spoke up.
"Anyway, I know things didn't go as planned," said Mario, "But it's nice to just wing it and make the best of a rather…ahem…buggy situation. I had no idea when I joined this trip, we would be having this much fun."
"But you said you were terrified about the fly-ders," said Rarity.
"Being around you girls helped me deal with the fear," said Mario, "You've been there for me ever since I told you girls how much I was hurting inside. You've been my strength whenever I felt weak and afraid. If I can trust you to help me overcome something that big, then I can trust you help me pull through a fly-der swarm. You're my family after all, and that includes the Cutie Mark Crusaders." The three girls smiled.
"and Rainbow," said Mario, "I'm sorry I got angry with you…"
"No, it's okay," said Rainbow, "I wasn't doing a good job helping Scootaloo feel better until after I told her about Flash Magnus. And…I have to confess…when I saw that huge magic ball from your horn. I was afraid you were gonna take us out with the Fly-ders. I had no idea it was just a ball of light to lure then away from the camp."
"Yeah…I guess I could've told you that before I charged up," said Mario, "Guess even I can do things without thinking."
"It's cool," said Rainbow as she gave a loud yawn, "As fun as this is, I gotta get some shut eye."
"Yeah, we better do the same," said Applejack. Rarity and Mario yawned in agreement as they got up and headed to the tree house. The girls wasted no time grabbing one of the leaf-sewn blankets and pillows and found a spot on the floor next to their sleeping younger sisters to get comfortable. Mario then tucked Applejack into her blanket and went to leave.
"Where are you going?" Applejack asked, "You're my brother. We can share a blanket."
"Somepony's gotta protect the group," said Mario quietly before adding in a British flux, "I'll be sleeping under the stars tonight." Applejack just chuckled softly and sighed before going to sleep. Mario hopped into the treehouse roof and reclined on his back with her fore-hooves behind his head. His eyes twinkled as he watched the stars some more.
"Good night, Twilight," Mario said softly, "Just know I'm safe and happy with my family."
Mario fell happily asleep. Dreaming about all the fun he would have with tomorrow with the ponies he called his family.
And that concludes another chapter. I'm sorry these uploads have been taking so long to come. Still dealing with a lot of personal stuff and I'm writing these stories on a brand new computer. So I'm still working through all the kinks in the software.
Just to make things clear, Mario didn't have his usual saddle bag during the trip. This was a regular saddle bag that had a few essentials, including the healing potion and some short-term power ups and his amulet. The healing potions are a parody to the potions that players use in Pokémon Games.
And you might be wondering why I had some focus on trying to find things in common with Mario and the three legendary ponies. Well, I already said Mario wouldn't have a pillar. And finding things in common with the Legends is the first clue to what I have planned for Mario in the season finale!
Next Time: Starlight, Trixie, and Diamond Tiara return to the Changeling Kingdom and come across the kingdom's only bad egg and he's related to Thorax! Can our group help this renegade see the light…or he is a lost cause?
Peace Pony Fans and Happy Hearts and Hooves Day if you Celebrate!